20 reasons to be optimistic

"Always look on the bright side of life."

Believe it or not, Monty Python offered up some of the best health advice of the 20th century. Research shows that optimists live longer, are richer and are mentally stronger than pessimists. They have lower stress levels and better immune systems. They get more exercise and eat more healthily. One 10-year study found that optimists were 23% less likely to die from heart disease and 55% less likely to die prematurely from all causes.

It's tempting to think that these bright-eyed fools are setting themselves up for one fall after another. But, on average, they earn £20k more a year than negative thinkers. And studies show that pessimists feel just as bad when things go wrong  the only difference is that the optimist concludes that next time things will be better. Chances are, they will be. So read on to tap into the power of positive thinking.

4. Starting a business is getting easier

"The new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme provides an alternative to bank lending for higher-risk start-up companies," says John Cridland, director-general of CBI. It offers tax breaks to anyone who invests £100k in start-ups.

5. Catsuits are back

6. The world wants British

The value of British exports to emerging markets will rise by 12% a year for the next decade, says Ernst & Young. Good for all, but especially if you work in mining, finance or manufacture of hi-tech goods.

7. Killer disease has its days numbered

Your chance of dying from heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease will drop. The new NHS Health Check, a free screening service for the over-forties, is being rolled out now. See nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck.

13. Bond will return...

14. Your car is less likely to get towed

"Thousands of people pay extortionate fees to have a clamp removed or get their car back," says Gillian Guy, chief executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau. Thankfully, the Protections of Freedoms Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, will ban private clamping and towing.

17. Getting fat is harder

18. Holidays in the UK will be better than ever

Whether you plan to climb the three peaks, surf the Gower Peninsula or book onto that Beatles tour of Liverpool  this is the year to do it. The European Tour Operators' Association says that the Olympics will drastically reduce the number of foreign tourists visiting anywhere in Britain that isn't London. That means we'll get lower prices and less crowding in the rest of the country.

19. Nintendo is changing the game again

Mario and Co brought gaming to the masses with the Wii, and this year they're looking to win over 'core' gamers with the Wii U. "It combines an iPad-like touchscreen with the motion-sensing capabilities of the original Wiimote," says Temple.

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